There are new challenges to keeping pedestrians safe popping up all over the Valley. These electric scooters are available to anyone with a phone and an app.
For Tempe resident Austin Doll, they are a nice way to take a ride from his apartment to downtown Tempe.
But he’s seen their dangers.
“Almost hit people on scooters while driving, because they are buzzing through red lights. I'm coming up on a green light, but then they buzz right by me. So that’s happened probably twice,” Doll said.
Arizona firefighter Dan Dewitt has experienced the danger. His wife and child were involved in a scooter crash on a San Diego boardwalk, fracturing his wife’s skull and seriously injuring his daughter.
Scottsdale recently implemented new rules for the scooters. The rules limit where they can be placed and used. Most of the responsibility is left on the companies involved.
However, the rules allow you to be cited for speeding, reckless driving and other issues.
Despite the rules, Brent Stockwell, the assistant city manager of Scottsdale, said there have only been 12 accidents involving these scooters in more than 1,000 rides.
The city of Tempe is still working on rules and regulations. A city council vote is scheduled for next month on licensing agreements. The city is also trying to develop rules for riders.